Researchers at New York University School of Medicine and Bluestone Center for Clinical Research are conducting a scientific study using a novel drug, psilocybin, a psychoactive agent found in a specific type of mushroom and used for centuries for religious and spiritual purposes. Entheogens, the class of plants and chemicals that includes psilocybin, have been used for thousands of years as sacraments to induce mystical or spiritual states of consciousness as part of spiritual and healing observances.

A person receiving a diagnosis of cancer is faced with multiple and severe physical, emotional, and spiritual or existential challenges. Often, the feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and questions around meaning and spirituality contribute to more overall suffering than physical symptoms. It is now widely believed that issues related to meaning, spirituality, anxiety, and depressed mood are at the core of the suffering that patients with cancer may experience.

The rationale for performing this study is to determine if an experience with psilocybin will lead to changes in how you perceive things and your awareness that will lead to improvements in anxiety, depression, pain, attitude towards disease progression, quality of life, and spirituality associated with cancer.

Volunteers who participate in this study will receive careful medical and psychological screening, preparation, and educational materials about the details of the study. The study will consist of two study sessions. Additional meetings will involve preparation and supportive counseling to assure comfort and safety throughout the study. Questionnaires and interviews will be used to evaluate the effects of the study drug on mood and quality of life.

This research study is fully approved by and adheres to the strict regulations of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you, a family member, or someone you know is interested in this study, please contact us.